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purine
[ pyoor-een, -in ]
noun
, Chemistry, Biochemistry.
- a white, crystalline compound, C 5 H 4 N 4 , from which is derived a group of compounds including uric acid, xanthine, and caffeine.
- one of several purine derivatives, especially the bases adenine and guanine, which are fundamental constituents of nucleic acids.
purine
/ ˈpjʊəriːn; ˈpjʊərɪn /
noun
- a colourless crystalline solid that can be prepared from uric acid. Formula: C 5 H 4 N 4
- Also calledpurine base any of a number of nitrogenous bases, such as guanine and adenine, that are derivatives of purine and constituents of nucleic acids and certain coenzymes
purine
/ pyr′ēn′ /
- Any of a group of organic compounds containing two fused rings of carbon and nitrogen atoms. One ring has six members, the other has five, and each has two nitrogens. Purines include a number of biologically important compounds, such as adenosine, caffeine, uric acid, and the two bases adenine and guanine, which are components of DNA and RNA.
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Word History and Origins
Discover More
Word History and Origins
Origin of purine1
C19: from German Purin; see pure , uric , -ine ²
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